Joseph is Delivered to Potiphar

Genesis 39:1–6
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The key to Joseph’s whole life is expressed in the words, “the Lord is with him” (v. 8). Joseph gave himself to the task of becoming the very best slave Potiphar ever had. This chapter is a description of Joseph as a faithful steward and can be described as follows:

1. His service - (vv. 1-6)

2. His self-control - (vv. 7-10)

3. His suffering - (vv.  9-23)

This passge resumes the account of Joseph, taking up where chapter 37 left off. Upon his arrival in Egypt Joseph was sold to Potiphar a captain of Pharaoh’s guard. What a contrast from being the beloved son in his father’s house to a lowly slave in Egypt. However, in spite of the circumstances, Joseph soon became a trusted slave in the house of Potiphar. It says,"the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man, and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian” (vv. 1-2). Joseph is a prime illustration of the truth that adversity is a setback from which we take our greatest leaps forward. The Lord was with him, prospering him; and he served his master faithfully (vv. 3-5). The time Joseph spent in Egypt was like that of his father, Jacob (Gen. 30:27). It resulted in a fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Gen. 12:3).

As a result Potiphar made him superintendent over all that he possessed (v.  6). Joseph was promoted over the other servants, he was in charge of all the supplies and he managed Potiphar’s whole household. His master saw that he was different and he knew that God was with Joseph. He entered Egypt at the age of 18 and left for glory at 110. For 80 years he was the highest Lord of the land. This is not a story of the successes of Joseph but a story of God’s faithfulness to His child.

Application

It was easy to see that Joseph was different and it was because God was with him. It is my desire that others can easily see that I am different and that God is with me.